Squirrel-proof birdfeeder

Abstract

A birdfeeder includes a upwardly-opening tray (12) that has an center post or rod (14) affixed thereto and a cover or hood (16) supported on the post and biased by biasing member (32) towards an upward collar (20) with the biasing member accommodating tilting of the cover upon the application of an external force to eject the species that produces the external force.

I claim: 
     
       1. A hanging birdfeeder comprising a lower feed tray having a center support post affixed thereto and extending upwardly with means at an upper end of said post for suspending said tray and a cover supported on said post and spaced above said tray and being larger than said tray for diverting rain and unwanted species from access to said tray, and biasing means between said cover and post normally maintaining said cover in parallel upright relation to said tray, said biasing means including a coil spring below said cover with said post having a projection spaced from said cover and a circular cup engaging said projection and receiving said coil springs, said biasing means facilitating tilting pivotal movement of said cover on said post upon the application of a downward force to said cover remote from said post to eject unwanted species, such as squirrels, from said cover. 
     
     
       2. A birdfeeder as defined in claim 1, in which said cover has an enlarged opening receiving said post, and further including a second cup between said coil spring and said cover and an enlarged second abutment fixed to said post above said cover. 
     
     
       3. A birdfeeder as defined in claim 1, in which said tray and cover are circular and disposed symmetrically around said post. 
     
     
       4. A birdfeeder comprising a center post having a feed tray secured to a lower end thereof and a support member threaded on an upper end thereof with said support member defining an abutment surface surrounding said post, an arcuate cover having an enlarged opening receiving said post so that an upper surface extends toward said abutment surface and compressible means between said post and a lower surface of said cover for forcing said upper surface into extended engagement with said abutment surface so that said cover protects said tray from rain and other undesirable elements, said compressible means accommodating tilting of said cover on said post upon the application of an external force to a peripheral portion of said upper surface, said compressible means including a coil spring with a first cup on said post engaging one end of said spring and a second cup interposed between an opposite end of said coil spring and said lower surface of said cover. 
     
     
       5. A birdfeeder as defined in claim 4, in which said tray and said cover are circular and said cover is larger than said tray.